It’s becoming more and more obvious that emotional stress and trauma either create or exacerbate both emotional and physical illness and suffering. This is evident from both clinical observations and emerging research.
A research team at the National Center for Biological Sciences in Bangalore, India has published a study showing that a single stressful or traumatic event can take up to ten days to increase electrical activity in the brain.
This increased activity, specifically located in the amygdala, is associated with the emotional and behavioral changes experienced in PTSD.
The researchers are interested in finding a pharmacological solution to block the biochemical changes in the amygdala that are responsible for the increased electrical activity and resulting symptoms of PTSD.
Their reasoning is that if you can block the triggering chemistry you can ideally prevent PTSD. It will be interesting to see the results of this approach.
For those who are more oriented towards natural self-care, there are already proven and scientifically supported drug-free approaches for resolving PTSD and related anxiety-based issues.
Enter Dr. Ruden: Molecular Biologist and Medical Doctor
Dr. Ronald Ruden has developed a very elegant brain chemistry model for understanding how gentle touch can help us heal emotional trauma, anxiety, and even chronic pain.
His research involved looking for the neural and biochemical mechanisms that would explain the benefits derived from Tapping techniques like EFT. I’ve used tapping techniques successfully since the early 80’s, but more recently switched to a simpler process that’s based on Ruden’s work.
Dr. Ruden’s discoveries have led to a more simplified process involving touch and focused awareness that he calls Havening. I use this simplified process in my office daily for addressing and resolving the emotional components of illness. You can read more about Havening and the mechanisms involved in an earlier post that discusses the Havening Technique.
We Are Designed to Heal
The main point that I’d like to share is that we are designed to heal. If we can only get out of our own way and see around our conditioned programming, both personally and culturally, we increase our chances for healing and wholeness.
If we can alter our state … over and over …. we have a very good chance of altering our health for the better.
When we meditate we change our brain waves. When we learn to accept ourselves with lovingkindness we create positive neural changes. Gentle touch almost immediately improves our neurological and biochemical status. Amending a limiting belief influences gene expression and our biochemistry positively.
When an effective combination of these actions is experienced regularly we initiate a positive neuroplasticity that transforms us … emotionally, physically, cognitively … and spiritually.
I share this information as encouragement for you to be consistent with the practices that work best for you.
It’s time.
Steve is a retired Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture Physician, and HeartMath Trauma-Sensitive Certified Practitioner with over 35 years of clinical experience in the fields of Energy Medicine, Energy Psychology, and Biofeedback. 